Hartpury University has shared the findings of recent research conducted in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast and the animal charity Blue Cross, which sheds light on the challenges faced by small mammal owners in providing appropriate housing and ensuring animal welfare.
Led by Alison Wills, Senior Lecturer - Research at Hartpury University, the study highlights the importance of suitable housing for the health and welfare of small mammals, such as guinea pigs and rabbits. Despite their popularity as pets, their behaviours and welfare needs are often misunderstood, making it difficult for owners to assess their wellbeing.
The research identified the availability of appropriate enclosures as the main barrier to providing suitable housing. It suggests that restricting the sale of unsuitable housing and increasing access to appropriate options could significantly improve the care provided to small mammals. Additionally, behavioural indicators, such as changes in eating habits, were found to be the most practical tools for owners to monitor their pets' health and welfare.
Alison Wills also presented these findings at the second annual Guinea Pig Welfare Forum on 10 September 2025, where she delivered a talk on the impact of husbandry on guinea pig health and welfare in the UK. Her presentation emphasised how poor husbandry practices, including inadequate housing and diet, are linked to common diseases in guinea pigs, which can be difficult to treat and have a significant impact on their welfare.
Speaking about the research, Alison Wills said: “At Hartpury University, we’re passionate about advancing animal welfare through research that makes a real-world impact. This study highlights the importance of understanding the barriers pet owners face and providing them with the tools and knowledge to care for their animals effectively. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our work can contribute to improving the lives of small mammals.”
Kerry Taylor, Education Manager at Blue Cross, said: “Too often, our teams see small pets like guinea pigs and rabbits who have been kept in inadequate housing and fed poor diets due to widespread misunderstanding of their needs. Housing commonly sold in UK stores fails to meet even the basic welfare needs of these animals.
“We would like to work with retailers to encourage them to sell appropriate housing, not just housing that meets the minimum standard requirements, and to provide good quality advice about the care needs of the animals they are selling. Ultimately, we want to change the perception that small pets are easy starter pets.
“Codes of Practice exist to protect dogs, cats and horses. We believe a similar Code should apply to small animals such as guinea pigs to set clear, enforceable standards, including recommended sizes for housing for each species so they can lead happy and healthy lives in their homes.”
Hartpury University actively encourages both students and staff to engage in research projects that address pressing issues in animal welfare and husbandry. By fostering a collaborative research environment, Hartpury ensures that its community contributes to meaningful advancements in the field while gaining valuable experience.
The research further revealed that rodent owners (including guinea pig owners) who purchased pets for children were less likely to engage with veterinary services compared to those who bought pets for adults, highlighting the need for better education and support for pet owners.
Hartpury University remains committed to advancing animal welfare research and supporting pet owners in providing the best care for their animals.
